Barack Obama: 'It is time to turn the page on Iraq'

Barack Obama has ended America's combat mission telling the US "It is
time to turn the page".

Addressing the nation from the Oval Office, President Barack Obama said that ending the war “is not only in Iraq’s interest - it is in our own”. He said the US had “met our responsibility” in Iraq and “paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people.”

"We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home.

"We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people – a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization.

"Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page.”

Officials have painted a grim picture of the hurdles remaining before the country became the secure, prosperous ally the United States had hoped to build when it invaded seven years ago.

"I am not saying that all is or will necessarily be well in Iraq," said Robert Gates, defence secretary to both Mr Obama and George W Bush, the president who sent in the troops. "The most recent elections have yet to result in a coalition government. Sectarian tensions remain a fact of life. Al-Qaeda in Iraq is beaten, but not gone. This is not a time for premature victory parades or self-congratulation. We still have a job to do and responsibilities there."

As of today, fewer than 50,000 US troops remain in Iraq, in support roles. They will be drawn down by the end of next year. Mr Obama, and his officials, have been careful to distance themselves from any repeat of the moment in May 2003 when Mr Bush addressed troops under a banner reading "Mission Accomplished". Mr Obama earlier told troops in Texas: "It's not going to be a victory lap. It's not going to be self-congratulatory. There's still a lot of work that we've got to do to make sure that Iraq is an effective partner with us."

The muted tone also reflects the current wave of attacks across Iraq. Mounting casualties from bombings and shootings, blamed largely on al-Qaeda, have cut down the optimism that briefly flared after the American surge of 2007 reduced violence last year.

The Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, who met Joe Biden, US vice-president, in Baghdad yesterday, also made a televised speech, insisting his government could cope with what lay ahead. "This is a day that will remain in the memory of all. Today, Iraq has become a sovereign and independent country," he said. "I reassure you that the Iraqi security forces are capable of taking full responsibility."

The key factor in Iraq's future is how long Mr Maliki remains in office. Six months ago, Mr Maliki, who leads a Shia party with ties to Iran, lost a close election by two seats to Iraqiya, a cross-sectarian nationalist alliance. Since then, he has been seeking to form a coalition government with other, more radical Shia parties, but has refused to give in to their demand that he step down as prime minister in return for a broader deal.

The sight of Shia parties negotiating to form a government with a lesser role for Iraqiya has raised fears, and the level of violence, from the minority Sunnis. Many leading Sunnis also argue that both the current political machinations and al-Qaeda's resurgence are encouraged by Iran as a means of exerting control over its neighbour.

On the streets of Baghdad, the level of threat and the declining economy are linked to the political situation. "Without a government, who will plan for the future, or put down money on a big purchase," said Wisam Ahmed, sales manager for a Chrysler car showroom.

More than 4,400 American troops have been killed. Iraq Body Count, a British independent survey, puts the number of Iraqi civilian deaths at more than 100,000.

"We can thank the men and women who made tremendous sacrifices," said Robert Gibbs, the White House spokesman. "We can heal the wounds that were opened about whether we should go to Iraq."